I joined well before I began posting on the forums. I was just looking for help for my frequent mental instability which was later dx as bipolar (which wasn't too much of a surprise, more of a relief as I could finally get the proper treatment for my symptoms). I also don't really have many friends IRL and none that live near me. I get so lonely and so I started posting here and on crazyboards to be more "social," if you will, and talk to people who have similar issues as me. I'm not very outgoing so making friends is hard for me. In a way, online MI forums are my form of group therapy because I have yet to find the courage to attend a group therapy in person - even though my therapist has suggested group would be good for me.